Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC): The Free Zone Business Hub

Dubai World Trade Centre Free Zone (DWTC) is a globally renowned free zone, making it an ideal business hub that attracts companies from all over the world. From its strategic location and world-class infrastructure to business-friendly incentives, DWTC free zone has become a preferred destination for enterprises looking to establish a presence in Dubai and expand their reach across the Middle East, Africa, and beyond.

DWTC Free Zone, now formally expanded to include One Za’abeel, stands at the centre of commerce, laying the foundation for Dubai's reputation as a global hub and future economy enabler. This blog will explore what makes DWTC the most sought-after free zone, its benefits, the businesses it is suitable for, the process of company formation, the types of licenses, costs, amendments, renewals, liquidation, and more. 

A Future-Ready Business Hub for Growth and Success

Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) was established in 2015 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE President and Prime Minister, Ruler of Dubai. The primary goal behind this was to enhance diversification and drive more FDIs (foreign direct investments) to boost economic growth. 

DWTC also focuses on capitalising on Dubai’s strong networking platform, which is often used for hosting international events and exhibitions such as Arab Health, GulfFood, and Cityscale Global, offering a constant stream of business opportunities.

As a highly sought-after global business address and a vibrant destination in Dubai, DWTC features premium commercial offices, co-working communities, hospitality, retail options, and the region's leading exhibition and convention centre. It is the region’s popular hub where the world comes to meet and do business.

Complemented by award-winning commercial real estate, DWTC Free Zone plays an integral role in boosting the region’s growth, with an estimated total economic output of AED 200 billion, attracting over 30 million business visitors to Dubai over the past four decades.

Is DWTC Free Zone the Right Fit for Your Business?

Here are the types of businesses that can benefit from a DWTC Free Zone office compared to a mainland setup.

1. Foreign Investors 

DWTC is the ideal choice for foreign investors looking to establish a corporate presence in Dubai. Examples include representatives or marketing offices, holding companies, and IT-related services that do not require extensive office space or a large number of staff. 

If a foreign investor does not require a large office space or many staff, DWTC also offers the option of special office and visa facilities to meet these needs. 

2. Startups and SMEs 

A startup or SME looking to either expand their brand locally or tap into regional or global markets can maximise on the benefits of the DWTC free zone. 

Some of the benefits include a business-friendly environment with a vibrant ecosystem. DWTC connects to major business hubs, access to world-class infrastructure, flexible office solutions, competitive licensing options, and proximity to key industry events as well as global trade platforms hosted at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

3. Trading, Consultancy, and Professional Services

DWTC is a good option for businesses conducting trading or any other consultancy or professional services. It provides a strategic location and a strong business reputation along with flexible licensing options. 

DWTC offers a streamlined process for company setup, with high-quality infrastructure and direct access to global networking events. It is ideal for consultancy firms looking to establish and grow with minimal capital.

4. Businesses Looking for Affordable Setup Options

Any business looking for a cost-effective business setup in Dubai and flexible solutions can consider the DWTC free zone. It is one of the most affordable free zones in Dubai, with a variety of workspace options, including flex-desks, and comes with minimal document requirements. 

5. Firms Seeking a Prime Business Location

DWTC provides the most strategic location in the heart of Dubai for businesses that want to be based in a vibrant and thriving business hub, maximising the high-end infrastructure and opportunities for networking. 

6. Businesses  with High-Risk Nationalities

DWTC is ideal for any investor or business with staff coming from countries considered “high-risk states” such as Syria, Iran, Algeria, Turkey, and Lebanon. They can benefit from the opportunity of obtaining a resident visa in DWTC based on pre-approval or by opening a bank account.

A DWTC free zone may not be the best for businesses that are focused on heavy industry or logistic services, which essentially require facilities such as warehouses, industrial units, or land.  JAFZA or RAKEZ are alternative options to consider for these special business types. 

Benefits of Setting up a Business in DWTC Free Zone 

• Prime location in the heart of Dubai 

• Easy access to public transport

• It is a short drive from Dubai International Airport

• Competitive and well-regulated ecosystem

• 100% foreign ownership

• 100% capital and profit repatriation

• 0% personal income tax

• 1200+ licensed business activities

• Central business district location

• Flexible office solutions

• Setup and e-services support

• Streamlined procedures for visas and permits

• 0% taxes and customs duties

• Future-focused ecosystem for growth

DWTC Free Zone Licenses and Business Activities

Today, DWTC is home to more than 1,800 small and medium businesses across more than 40 industries, including construction, healthcare, IT, media, and trade. The Free Zone accommodates a broad spectrum of 1200+ licensed business activities across three general categories: trading, services, and consultancy.  It is important to remember that the DWTC does not cater to industrial activities. 

Event Management is another business category that is allowed in DWTC and is included as part of services but is often listed separately. One of the unique features of the DWTC business setup is that it allows 10 business activities under one single license, provided that they belong to the same category of business. 

Businesses that want to add any activity from a different category under the same license will have to pay an additional cost. For example, if the business is primarily in trading but also wants to add event management or services, they will have to pay AED 1,500 more.

List of Business Licenses Supported by DWTC Free Zone 

• IT License 

• Audit and Accounting License 

• Commercial License 

• Professional License

• Project Management License 

• Consultancy License 

• Oil Trading License 

• Cafeteria/Tea Shop License 

• Forex License 

• Crypto  License 

The Process of Setting up a Business in DWTC Free Zone 

The business setup process in the DWTC free zone is managed by the DWTC Authority and usually takes about 3-4 working weeks. Here is how it works: 

1. Choose Your Business Activities and License Type

First, you need to determine the type of business activities of your business and the corresponding license type. 

Choosing the wrong business activity and license type can cause errors in the business setup process in Dubai, such as opening a bank account and obtaining residency visas for you or your employees, so make sure it is defined correctly. 

Next, you will have to decide the company’s legal status. DWTC free zone offers many types of companies, primarily based on the number of shareholders and chosen business activities: 

• FZE (Free Zone Establishment) - This is a legal status of an LLC (Limited Liability Company) with a single shareholder who can be either an individual or non-individual (company).

• FZCO (Free Zone Company) - It refers to a free zone LLC with multiple shareholders, which may include both individuals and non-individuals (companies).

• Branch - This type of legal status covers a branch opened by a parent company within DWTC free zone with 100% ownership by the parent company. It should also be subject to the same name and activities of the parent company. Parent companies can be both foreign and UAE-based.

2. Prepare And File The Required Documentation

Submit all the necessary documents along with the application form. Here are the documents you will need to submit to get initial approval for business setup in the DWTC free zone: 

• Passport copy

• CV with your professional background

• Short business plan describing your planned activity 

Once the initial approval is obtained, you will then have to submit additional documents such as: 

• Specimen signature of a general manager

• Memorandum and Articles of Association

• Bank certificate for deposit of share capital

• Board resolution

You will have to pay all the necessary registration and processing fees along with the documentation. 

3. Collect the License And Registration Documents

In the next step, you will have to collect the license and registration documents for the company, which include 

• Certificate of Incorporation

• Business license

• Memorandum and Articles of Association

• Lease agreement

If there is a need for any extra documents, such as a Certificate of Incumbency or Certificate of Good Standing, you will have to pay an additional fee of AED 3,000 per document.

4. Secure Your Establishment Card

Take your establishment card, including information about the company and visa quotes. Then, apply for an entry permit. 

If the entry permit is processed when you are outside of the country, then you will need to come to the country when the document is issued within 60 days to complete the medical test and biometrics for your visa. On the other hand, if you are in the country when the entry permit is issued, only a status change will be made from the previous UAE tourist/residency visa to the new one.

5. Take a Medical Test and Submit Visa Documents

You will have to go through a medical checkup and submit documents to obtain a residence visa and an Emirates ID. The type of registration package will decide the number of visas available for owners and the employees of the company. 

6. Collect your Emirates ID

Once your visa is issued, you can collect your Emirates ID card.

7. Open a Bank Account 

As the final step of the business setup process, you will have to open a corporate bank account. Once you receive the account details, you are legally allowed to start business operations. 

DWTC License Visa Cost 

One of the key reasons why DWTC is preferred as one of the best options for establishing a business in Dubai is its cost-effective and affordable pricing structure. 

Here are the four key distinct pricing packages available for business setup in the DWTC free zone: 

It should be noted that the minimum facility requirement for general trading licenses is an executive office. It also requires an additional deposit of 12,000 AED per year. The packages mentioned are exclusive of any visa charges and car parking facilities, including a one-time refundable security deposit of AED 3,500.

DWTC Residence Visa Cost 

Just as with other UAE free zones, the DWTC free zone allows for resident visa eligibility. DWTC is among the lowest visa costs in the UAE. 

The number of visa quotas available will depend on the company type and the size of the office in DWTC. Flexi-desk offers up to 2 visas, whereas an executive office will give eligibility for up to 6 visas. 

Investor Visa Cost 

• 2,000 AED (for applicants outside the UAE)

• 3,200 AED (for applicants in the UAE)

• 755 AED Medical Checkup 

• 390 AED Emirates ID 

The investor visa is available only for shareholders who hold more than 50% of the company shares. 

Employee Visa Cost

• 2,000 AED (for applicants outside the UAE)

• 3,200 AED (for applicants in the UAE)

• 755 AED Medical Checkup 

• 390 AED Emirates ID  

All visas are valid for 2 years.

DWTC Company License Renewal 

Businesses need to renew their company license in DWTC after one year of registration. The cost of this renewal process includes: 

To renew a business license, you need to coordinate with your business setup consultant, who will conduct the following: 

• Prepare an application with the required documents to the free zone authorities

• Sign the renewed lease agreement

• Pay the renewal fees

• Wait for your license to be renewed.

In DWTC, an audit is not required to process license renewal. If a business has registered for VAT, it needs to provide the tax registration certificate to the free zone when renewing the license. 

DWTC Company Amendments 

Amendments can be made in DWTC free zone businesses any time after the license is issued. Some of the most commonly requested amendments include: 

• Change of activity

• Change of trade name

• Shares transfer

• Change of manager

The cost of amendments varies based on the type of changes made. After the amendments, the free zone authority will have to issue a new license with the updated information. 

DWTC Company Liquidation 

Businesses that decide to close down the company and stop operations in the DWTC Free Zone will have to return the original documents and pay the liquidation fee of AED 3,000. 

Here are the steps to liquidate the company: 

1. Provide the following mandatory documents

• Notarised attested special resolution signed by the shareholders of the company with the defined reason for the company liquidation 

• Business license and all other company incorporation documents

• Deregistration documents

• Bank account clearance and closure letter

• Clearance from the DWTC finance department

• Clearance from DU and Etisalat

2. Pay the required cancellation fees and settle any other pending payments. Once this is completed, the liquidation process is initiated.

3. The company will have to cancel all residence visas and other immigration-related documents issued under its name as well. 

4. When the liquidation process is complete, the business will be notified and receive the corresponding documents to confirm it. 

5. Businesses will also have to post an announcement in any national newspaper about the company closing. Once everything is submitted, deregistration will take a few days.

DWTC Free Zone: Your Gateway to Business Success

The DWTC Free Zone stands out as a globally renowned prime business hub, offering a strategic location, an easy setup process, and investor-friendly incentives. From 100% ownership, tax benefits, and access to world-class infrastructure, DWTC Free Zone provides businesses with the ideal environment for growth and expansion, making it ideal for new and emerging entrepreneurs. 

To maximise the benefits of DWTC, it is important for businesses to navigate the licensing, registration, and regulatory requirements. This is where professional business setup consultants can offer their professional expertise to handle this process, giving businesses the time to focus on other key areas of operations. From selecting the right business structure to obtaining necessary approvals, expert guidance ensures a smooth setup process, minimising delays and administrative complexities.